US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said the White House had prepared 18 scenarios in case Russia “invaded” Ukraine.
“I’m not going to pre-reveal 18 different scenarios. I will simply say that my allies and I are ready to inflict sharp pain quickly if Russia makes any (aggressive) step,” Nuland said in an interview with the Financial Times.
According to her, Washington is negotiating with European allies regarding a possible response to Russia’s actions, which would take into account the interests of residents of Western states. Nuland also added that Russia and the United States managed to hear each other at the last talks.
“We believe that we can reduce tensions and make progress on some of the topics through diplomacy. We hope and expect that Moscow will remain at the negotiating table and will lead discussions on a number of issues,” Nuland concluded.
In recent months, the Western media has repeatedly stated that Russia is concentrating its military on the borders of Ukraine. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov stressed that Moscow is moving Russian troops exclusively on its territory and does not threaten anyone.